Janna Siegel Robertson, Ph. D.

1. Enhancing Your Instructional Skills Through Differentiation Janna Siegel Robertson, Ph. D.

2. Session Overview What Is Differentiation? Differentiation Strategies Differentiation Practice Accommodations and Modifications Resources

3. Why Differentiate? • All kids are different. • One size does not fit all. • Differentiation provides all students with access to all curriculum.

4. What Is Differentiation? • A teacher’s response to learner needs • The recognition of students’ varying background knowledge and preferences • Instruction that appeals to students’ differences

5. Teachers Can Differentiate Content Process Product According to Students’ Interest Learning Profile Readiness Adapted from The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners (Tomlinson, 1999).

6. Differentiation Strategies All strategies are aligned with instructional goals and objectives. Types: • Tiered Assignments and Products • Compacting • Independent Study • Interest Centers /Groups • Flexible Grouping • Multiple Levels of Questions • Learning Contracts • Choice Boards

7. Diner Menu – Photosynthesis • Appetizer (Everyone Shares) • Write the chemical equation for photosynthesis. • Entrée (Select One) • Draw a picture that shows what happens during photosynthesis. • Write two paragraphs about what happens during photosynthesis. • Create a rap that explains what happens during photosynthesis. • Side Dishes (Select at Least Two) • Define respiration, in writing. • Compare photosynthesis to respiration using a Venn Diagram. • Write a journal entry from the point of view of a green plant. • With a partner, create and perform a skit that shows the differences between photosynthesis and respiration. • Dessert (Optional) • Create a test to assess the teacher’s knowledge of photosynthesis.

8. THINK-TAC-TOE Book Report

9. Tiered Activity – Writing a Persuasive Essay

10. LearningContract To demonstrate what I have learned about ____________________, I want to _ Write a report _ Put on a demonstration _ Set up an experiment _ Develop a computer presentation _ Build a model _Design a mural _ Write a song _ Make a movie _ Create a graphic organizer or diagram _ Other This will be a good way to demonstrate understanding of this concept because ______________________________________________________________ To do this project, I will need help with ______________________________________________________________ My Action Plan is________________________________________________ The criteria/rubric which will be used to assess my final product is _________ ______________________________________________________________ My project will be completed by this date _____________________________ Student signature: ________________________________ Date ___/___/___ Teacher signature: ________________________________ Date ___/___/___

11. Differentiation Activity – Reading Your task is to take the following instructional objective and identify two differentiation strategies that might be used to teach the objective. Objective: Students will complete a report on the book Animal Farm Identify the pros and cons of using both strategies in a class of 25 students that includes these 5 students: Sherry likes to be asked to do things by the teacher. She is interested in fitting in and speaks out often in class. She has a wild imagination and loves to read, but her comprehension skills are below grade level. Jimmy is hyperactive and likes to dance around the room when class is near the end. He is an audio/visual learner, is a solid reader, and enjoys excelling and being the “best.” He gets very excited to start new books, but they don’t hold his attention for long. Terrance does not feel a connection to school. He is a very intelligent student, but he “follows.” He seems to do well in every type of activity when he applies himself. He has exhibited strong reading skills, but does not always complete work. Jack failed English three times. He is an expert hunter and fisherman and knows more about the outdoors than anyone. He seems to learn best with hands-on activities. His reading and writing skills have only slightly improved over the last 2 years. Marie is a very quick learner. She seems to get things just by listening. She likes to excel. She is very concerned about rules and right vs. wrong. She is a natural leader. Her reading and writing skills are both above grade level.

12. Assessment in the Differentiated Classroom • Ongoing • Instruction-dependent • Student-dependent • Informative for continuedinstruction • Rubistar http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php

13. Tips for Implementing Differentiated Instruction: Your Classroom • Start slowly. • Organize your classroom space.

14. Group Assignments Bookshelf Teacher Station 1 Teacher Station 2 Schedule Inboxes

15. Accommodations andModifications • Classroom • Materials • Instruction • Curriculum • Homework • Evaluation • Grading

16. Ten Commandments 1. As little as necessary 2. Choose according to strengths 3. Must save you time 4. Implement long enough 5. One at a time 6. Evaluate 7. Be realistic 8. Explain to child and parent 9. Don’t be defensive 10. Do not reinvent the wheel

17. Effective Differentiation Examples • English • Mathematics • Science • Social Studies

18. Where Do I Go From Here?Resources • Listservs: mstorm@air.org • Assessment: • Curriculum-based measurement www.studentprogress.org • National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum (NCAC): www.cast.org/ncac/ • Access Center: www.k8accesscenter.org